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United Way campaign chairwoman Cindy Tepe (left) and members of the United Way fundraising cabinet reveal the results of the agency's fundraising drive Wednesday, Oct. 29, at the Manchester Inn in Middletown. The Middletown chapter raised $1,307,613.Click to enlarge

MIDDLETOWN — The Middletown Area United Way's Olympic-themed fundraising campaign lit a torch in the community, raising $1,307,613, exceeding its $1.3 million goal.

The campaign, which had its finale Wednesday, Oct. 29, succeeded despite trying financial times, and despite the September windstorm that diverted the United Way's attention to helping residents in need when power was out for days.

During that storm, United Way agencies like the American Red Cross distributed food and supplies to people who never imagined they would find themselves in need. And in a way, that might have actually helped the fundraising, said Rick Pearce, who served as campaign co-chairman along with his wife, Saundra.

"So many people took advantage of the Red Cross with the windstorm, they got to see those dollars at work," he said.

Other local United Ways are still in the midst of their campaigns. As of Wednesday, Warren County United Way had raised $1.1 million of its $2.1 million goal. Executive Director Mike Schepers said he would extend the campaign to mid-November because the windstorm had forced some companies to get a late start. And as of last week, Butler County United Way had raised $904,000 of its $2.6 million goal.

Of the money raised by Middletown, 73 percent has been collected; the rest of the amount is projected, said Director Mike Sanders.

Cindy Tepe, the executive director of Safety and Health for Industrial Education and Labor Development, will be the chairwoman of next year's campaign.

Tepe highlighted several succesful campaigns. The New Business Development Division had a goal of raising $19,725 from 25 new companies or individuals. It ended up raising $44,500 from 47 new companies or individuals. AK Steel Corp. was lauded for increasing its giving by 10 percent, and Monroe Local Schools doubled its take from last year.

Funding decisions will be announced in December and implemented in January 2009.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2836 or erobinette@coxohio.com.